Handle and lock

ABSTRACT

A handle and lock which generally includes a base having an index pin, a stop positioned in a circular channel, and an aperture traversing the base. A shaft is rotatably engaged to the base. The shaft includes a nut-shaped platform and an arcuate positioning limiter disposed in the circular working channel. The nut shaped platform preferably includes a threaded bore to receive a fastener used to releasably attach a handle to the shaft. The handle generally includes a head portion having a nut shaped receiving area and an arcuate protruding positioning member for placement within the circular working channel. The nut shaped receiving area preferably covers the platform during rotation of the handle relative to the base. The head portion may also include a lock having a locking barrier connected to a locking cylinder. The locking barrier is also adapted for removable positioning within the circular working channel to prevent rotation between the rotational limiter and the stop thereby restricting rotation of the handle and shaft relative to the base. The shaft further includes a latch member designed to engage a latch receiver integral to a door frame used for latching of a door in a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to latches and more particularly relates to latchassemblies utilizing handles and handle latching mechanisms for use withceiling and air conditioning, ventilation and/or refrigeration units orcabinets and the like.

Latch assemblies with handles are known which are lockable byutilization of an internal lock cylinder which prevent the handle fromrotating. Typically these latch assemblies may be locked and unlockedand remain in the unlocked position whereby the handle and door attachedthereto may be opened with one hand.

In the past, the handles as known for use with ceiling and/or airconditioning or refrigeration cabinets have not provided a desired levelof insulating qualities to prevent thermal transfer from occurringwithin a compartment. In addition, the handles as known did not providesufficient insulating qualities to prevent condensation or frosting fromoccurring upon the handle and the associated temperature increases, airpressure and/or heat transfer from escaping from the interior of acompartment. In addition, no handle is known which provides a thermalbreak or barrier to insulate a handle used on a ceiling/air conditioningor refrigeration cabinet to provide a temperature and/or air seal for aventilation and/or refrigerated structure.

A handle surface having a reduced temperature frequently occurs due tothe use of non-insulating grooves, handle shaft air leakage and setscrews for affixation of the handle to a door. The use of grooves andset screws frequently enable air to leak through the grooves which inturn causes an air leakage to occur on the handle which in turn causes acondensation to form upon the door handle. In addition, the use ofgrooves and set screws for affixation of a handle to a ventilationand/or air conditioning door frequently result in the loss of cool airfrom the interior of a air conditioned compartment into a heatedenvironment.

There has been minimal development of efficient and convenient latchingassemblies which solve these identified problems. Additional lockingfeatures to accommodate a padlock may also be desirable for use with aceiling and/or air conditioning cabinet. Further, prior art latchassemblies, particularly locking latch assemblies normally lackflexibility in being adaptable for varying applications, for example, aleft or right handed application with a door for a ventilation and/orrefrigerated structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a latching assembly for a ceiling and/orair conditioning or refrigeration cabinet for establishment of aneffective insulation thermal barrier to effectively thermally seal orinsulate a compartment from the loss of air from within a structure. Thethermal handle and latch includes a base having an index pin; a stopfixedly positioned in a circular working channel; an aperture traversingthe base; a support stem positioned in the aperture for rotatablyattaching the shaft to the base. The shaft includes a threaded end andan affixation end having a nut-shaped platform and arcuate positioninglimiter. The positioning limiter is designed for rotational placementwithin the circular working channel and is further adapted to engage thestop. The nut-shaped platform further includes a centrally positionedthreaded bore used to affix the handle to the shaft through the use of athreaded fastener. The handle includes a grasping end and head portion.The head portion includes a nut shaped receiving area and an arcuateprotruding positioning member. The protruding positioning member isadapted for positioning and rotation within the circular workingchannel. The nut shaped receiving area preferably covers the nut shapedplatform. The rotation of the handle causes the rotation of the nutshaped receiving area, and the arcuate protruding positioning member,which in turn cooperate to move the positioning limiter within thecircular working channel towards or away from the stop during thelatching or unlatching of a door to a structure. The central aperturefurther traverses the head portion of the handle and is adapted toreceive the threaded fastener used to affix the shaft to a handle. Alock may also be included with the handle. The lock preferably is formedof a locking cylinder adapted to receive a key. The insertion of a keypermits rotation of a locking cylinder to elevate one or more pins topermit the cylinder to be turned approximately 90° relative to thehandle. At the distal end of the cylinder is preferably an arm having aworm gear which is rotatably engaged to teeth as integral to a linearlysliding arcuate locking barrier. Rotation of the key 90° clockwisecauses the worm gear to rotate and to retract the linearly slidingarcuate locking barrier into a cavity and out of the circular workingchannel, thereby, permitting rotation of the handle, nut-shapedplatform, arcuate positioning limiter, shaft and protruding positioningmember for unlatching of the latch member as integral of the shaft fromthe keeper or latch receiver integral to the interior door frame duringopening of a door for a refrigerated cabinet. An escutcheon ispreferably affixed to the shaft between the interior of the door and thelatch member to establish a thermal barrier preventing undesirable heator cold transfer, frost and/or cooling loss through the handle, latch,and/or lock into an exterior environment.

The lock mechanism may include an arcuate locking or interferencebarrier which may slide linearly with respect to the shaft to prevent orpermit rotation of the handle and shaft relative to the base. Thelocking or interference barrier may be operatively connected to thelocking cylinder so that upon rotational movement of the key, thelocking or interference barrier is brought into and out of engagementfrom the working channel in the base.

A principal object of the present invention is the provision of aventilation and/or refrigeration handle and lock which is formed ofrelatively simply and inexpensive design, construction, and operationand which is safe and fulfills the intended purpose of providing athermal barrier for a refrigerated compartment without risk of injury topersons and/or damage to property.

Another principal object of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock which establishes a thermal barrier to prevent coolingof the handle when used upon a door for a ventilation and/orrefrigerated structure.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which establishes a thermal barrier to enhanceinsulating properties of a ventilation and/or refrigeration structure byminimizing dissipation of cool air and the influx of heat through astructure into a refrigerated compartment.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which is energy and cost efficient.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which is flexible enabling either left handed orright handed operation.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which is flexible enabling an individual to use athermal block or barrier with any preferred thickness of door used upona refrigerated cabinet to enhance the insulating properties of thehandle and lock.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which reduces condensation on the handle when usedupon the door for a refrigerated structure.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which increases the comfort to individuals byminimizing cooling of the handle during use upon a door for arefrigerated structure.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which does not leak air and which provides a sealedrefrigeration compartment.

Still another principal object of the present invention is the provisionof a handle and lock which has improved compression properties thruadjustment.

A feature of the present invention is a provision of a handle and lockhaving a first thermal barrier between a base and the exterior surfaceof a door for a refrigerated structure.

Another feature of the present invention is a provision of a handle andlock having a thermal barrier between a shaft and the interior surfaceof a door for a refrigerated structure.

Still another feature of the present invention is a provision of ahandle and lock having a thermal barrier which is positionable at avariety of locations relative to a base, shaft, and/or latch to improveinsulating properties for a refrigerated structure.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base formed of thermal insulating material.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having a housing defining a circular lipand a circular working channel.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having an index pin adapted to engage a door to preventrotation of the base relative to the door.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having a centrally positioned aperture anda support stem positioned in the aperture where the support stemrotatably connects a shaft to the base.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having an arcuate shaped stop positionedwithin the circular working channel to restrict the rotation of theshaft relative to the base.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a shaft having an elongate central supportsection terminating in a threaded section.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a shaft having an hexagonal shaped nut cap endhaving a centrally positioned threaded bore therein.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a shaft having a rotational limiter integral oraffixed to the hexagonal shape nut cap end where the rotational limiteris adapted to engage the stop to restrict rotation of the handlerelative to the base.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a handle having a head portion and a graspingportion.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a head portion having a centrally positionedaperture therethrough.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a handle having a head portion which includes anhexagonal shaped receiving area adapted to engage and cover the nut capof the shaft.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a handle having a head portion which includes anarcuate shaped protruding positioning member adapted for positioningwithin the circular working channel and further adapting for engagementto the stop.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock formed of thermal insulating material.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a threaded fastener adapted for positioningthrough the aperture of the head portion and for engagement to thethreaded bore of the shaft to secure the handle to the shaft.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having thermal barrier escutcheon adapted for engagementto the shaft.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a thermal barrier escutcheon which includes adisk portion and cylindrical portion extending from the disk portion.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a thermal barrier escutcheon having an affixationface having a plurality of graspers adapted to securely affix theescutcheon to the shaft at any desired location.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having an escutcheon having a disk portion whichincludes a lip and recessed portion adapted to receive a disk-shapedaffixation face which includes a plurality of graspers.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having an escutcheon having a disk-shaped affixationface which includes a centrally positioned opening which is aligned withthe cylindrical portion to permit passing of the shaft therethrough.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having a disk-shaped housing which issecurely attached to a base plate through a press fit.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having an escutcheon formed of thermal insulatingmaterial.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having one or more nuts and a latch member securelyengaged to the shaft where rotation of the handle causes the latchmember to rotate for latching or unlatching of a keeper or latchreceiver affixed to a door frame for opening of a door to provide accessto a refrigerated cabinet.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a handle having a cylindrical bore and a lockdisposed in the cylindrical bore.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle having a lock having a lock shaft including a worm gear.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having an arcuate locking barrier having a plurality ofteeth or grooves engaged to the worm gear for insertion or retraction ofthe arcuate locking barrier from positioning with the circular workingchannel thereby permitting rotation of the handle and shaft relative tothe base to unlatch the latching member from the latch receiver to openthe door of a ventilation and/or refrigeration cabinet.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a head portion which includes an arcuate cavityadapted to hold the arcuate locking barrier.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a lock which may be released by a key whichelevates pins permitting rotation of the lock cylindrical with thecylindrical bore.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a arcuate locking barrier positioned opposite theprotruding positioning member and exterior to the nut receiving area.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having a cylindrical groove adapted forreceiving engagement of a gasket used to form an air tight seal betweenthe base and the exterior surface of a door for a refrigerated cabinet.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having a transition area between acircular lip and an interior ring.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a roller cam engaged to the head portion of thehandle.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a roller cam having a central aperture and a bodywhich enhance and structural strength of the head portion of the handle.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a roller cam having a rotatable sleeve tofacilitate the ease of use of the handle.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a traversely extending second bore adapted toreceive the roller cam.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of ahandle and lock having a base having a centrally position aperture and aaffixation stem positioned in the aperture where the affixation stemrotatably connects the shaft to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of the handle and lock showing thehandle, base, shaft, escutcheon, and latching member.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the base taken along the line 2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the handle.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the head portion of the handle.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the head portion of the handle having a rollercam.

FIG. 6 is an alternative isometric view of the handle having a rollercam.

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view of the head portion showing the lockingcylinder and extended locking barrier.

FIG. 8 is an alternative partial cutaway view of the head portionshowing the locking cylinder and the retracted locking barrier.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the base taken along the line of2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an alternative end view of the base taken along the line of2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an alternative cross-sectional end view of the base takenalong the line of 2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an alternative end view of the base taken along the line of2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated.

One form of the handle and lock is illustrated and described herein. Ingeneral, the handle and lock is illustrated by the numeral 10. Thehandle and lock 10 is preferably designed for use with refrigerationunits, ventilation units, ceiling and air conditioning units and/orrefrigerated cabinets. The handle and lock 10 may be used to thermallyinsulate a refrigerated environment from ambient or heated temperatureconditions within an adjacent room. The handle and lock 10 preferablyprevents perspiration and/or frost from accumulating upon, or thecooling of, the handle 12 which may be undesirable to individuals. Thehandle and lock 10 is preferably formed of thermal insulating materialswhich assist to seal and prevent air flow from traversing an insulatedrefrigerator door. In addition, the handle and lock 10 as formed of thethermal insulating materials preferably reduces the cooling of thehandle 12 and base 14 positioned adjacent to the exterior of arefrigerated cabinet. Cost and energy efficiency for a refrigerated unitis thereby enhanced. It should be noted that the handle and lock 10 ispreferably adapted for either left or right handed operation or rotationat the discretion of an individual dependent upon the orientation of thebase 14 relative to an insulated door.

The base 14 is preferably formed of a disk shaped housing 16 which isformed of thermally insulating material. The rear surface of the diskshaped housing 16 preferably includes a circular recessed portion 18which is preferably adapted for receiving engagement of the rear facemember 20. The rear face member 20 preferably has an elevated centralportion 22 which preferably defines a circular groove 24 which isadapted for receiving engagement of a thermally insulating gasket 26.The rear face member 20, elevated central portion 22 and gasket 26 arepreferably adapted for positioning adjacent to a thermally insulateddoor of a ventilation and/or refrigeration cabinet.

An index pin 28 preferably extends outwardly from the elevated centralportion 22. The index pin 28 is preferably adapted for penetratingengagement into a hole within a refrigerated door or cabinet. Thepositioning of the index pin 28 within the hole prevents rotation of thebase 14 relative to the insulated door during use of the handle and lock10. It should be noted that the location of the index pin 28 and holewithin the thermally insulated door may dictate whether the handle andlock 10 may be rotated in either a left handed or right handed mannerfor use by an individual.

The disk shaped housing 16 of the base 14 preferably functions as atransition area between a circular lip 30 and an interior ring 32 whichis positioned proximate to the circular recessed portion 18 and rearfaced member 20.

A recessed circular working channel 34 is interior to the circular lip30. A centrally positioned aperture 36 preferably traverses the base 14and the rear face member 20.

A support stem 38 formed of thermally insulating material is preferablypositioned within the centrally positioned aperture 36 through the rearfaced member 20. The support stem 38 preferably has an outwardlyextending collar portion 40. The support stem 38 is preferably adaptedfor rotatable engagement to a shaft 42. The support stem 38 ispreferably positioned within the centrally positioned aperture 36 andengaged to the rear faced member 20 through a press fit. The supportstem 38 is also formed of the thermally insulating material whichpreferably functions as a thermal barrier to prevent temperature lossthrough the insulating door.

An arcuate shaped stop 44 is preferably positioned within the recessedcircular working channel 34. The arcuate shaped stop 44 preferably has afirst end 46 and a second end 48. The arcuate shaped stop 44 preferablyfunctions to restrict the rotation of the shaft 42 relative to the base14 during rotation of the handle 12 for opening of the thermallyinsulated door of a refrigerated cabinet or structure.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, the shaft 42 preferably extends through thecentrally positioned aperture 36 of the base 14. The shaft 42 alsopreferably passes through the support stem 38 and is rotatably connectedto the outwardly extending collar portion 40.

The shaft 42 preferably includes a threaded section or end 50, anelongate central support section 52 and a hexagonal shaped nut cap endor platform 54. A threaded bore 56 is preferably positioned centrallywithin the hexagonal shaped nut cap end 54 as may be seen in FIGS. 1 and2. A rotational limiter 58 is preferably integral or affixed to thehexagonal shaped nut cap end or platform 54. The rotational limiter ispreferably adapted for positioning in the recessed circular workingchannel 34 opposite to the stop 44. The rotational limiter 58 ispreferably adapted for rotation within the working channel 34 duringmanipulation of the handle 12.

The rotational limiter 58 preferably includes a third end 60 and afourth end 62. The rotational limiter 58 is preferably arcuate in shapeand is a mirror image of the stop 44.

The threaded bore 56 is preferably adapted to receive a threadedfastener 64 which may be utilized to affix the handle 12 to the base 14.It should be noted that the nut cap end or platform 54 may be hexagonal,octagonal, square, triangular, and/or rectangular at the preference ofan individual. It should further be noted that the rotational limiter 58is not restricted to an arcuate shape for positioning within the workingchannel 34.

During rotation of the handle 12, the fourth end 62 of the rotationallimiter 58 is preferably adapted for engagement to the first end 46 ofthe stop 44 to limit rotation of the handle 12 from a first position 140which is substantially vertical, to a second position 142 which issubstantially horizontal with respect to a ground or floor surface(FIGS. 9-12). It should be noted that during rotation of the shaft 42the base 14 via the use of the index pin 28 is maintained in astationary position relative to a door surface. It should further benoted that the support stem 38 and outwardly extending collar portion 40are also maintained in a stationary position relative to a door surfaceduring rotation of the nut cape end or platform 54, shaft 42, and/orrotational limiter 58 during the unlatching of a door. The stop 44 isalso maintained in a stationary position following the fastening of thebase 14 to a refrigerated door surface.

The rotation of the nut cap end or platform 54 causes the fourth end 62of the rotational limiter 58 to arcuately move within the recessedworking channel 34 for contact with the first end 46 of the stop 44 tolimit rotation therebetween. The engagement between the fourth end 62and the first end 46 of the stop 44 preferably defines the secondposition 142 for the handle 12 permitting release of the latch 66 from alatch receiver 68 which may be integral or affixed to the interior doorframe for a refrigerated cabinet and/or structure.

The handle 12, head portion 70, and/or grasping portion 72 arepreferably formed of thermally insulating material designed to resistheat or cold transfer through the shaft 42 and base 14 to the handle 12.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the handle 12 preferablyincludes a head portion or end 70 and a grasping portion or end 72. Acentral aperture 74 preferably traverses the head portion 70 in adirection normal to the centrally positioned aperture 36 and is adaptedfor alignment therewith. The central aperture 74 is preferably adaptedfor receiving engagement of the threaded fastener 64 used for affixationof the head portion or end 70 to the base 14. It should be noted thatthe threaded fastener 64 is preferably adapted for passing through thecentral aperture 74 and into the threaded bore 56 to affix the headportion 70 to the base 14.

The head portion or end 70 preferably includes a front face 76. Thefront face 76 preferably includes a nut or hex shaped receiving area 78which is preferably adapted to cover the hexagonal shaped nut cap end orplatform 54 (FIG. 3). Proximate to the top of the front face 76 ispreferably located an arcuate shaped protruding positioning member 80which is preferably adapted for penetrating placement within the workingchannel 34 between the stop 44 and the rotational limiter 58. Theprotruding positioning member 80 preferably includes a fifth end 82 anda sixth end 84.

The arcuate shaped protruding positioning member 80 is preferablyadapted for rotational movement within the working channel 34 duringrotation of the grasping portion 72 from the first position 140 to thesecond position 142 (FIGS. 9-12).

The head portion 70 may further include a lock bore 86 which ispreferably designed for receiving engagement of a locking cylinder 88.The lock bore 86 preferably extends normally to the direction of thecentral aperture 74 and is positioned between the central aperture 74and the grasping portion 72 of the handle 12.

The head portion 70 further includes an arcuate lock cavity 90 which isin communication with the lock bore 86. An arcuate locking barrier 92 ispreferably disposed in the lock cavity 90 and is in communication withthe lock bore 86 for locking of the handle 12 in a first position 140relative to the base 14 during periods of non-use.

A traverse bore 94 may be provided to extend through the head portion 70perpendicular to the central aperture 74. The traverse bore 94preferably crosses the central aperture 74 and is adapted to receive aroller cam 96 which may be rotatably affixed to the head portion 70 viathe use of a fastener 98.

An escutcheon 100 is preferably affixed to the threaded section or end50 of the shaft 42. The escutcheon 100 is preferably formed of thermalinsulating material which prevents the transfer of cooled air throughthe shaft from the interior of a refrigerated compartment.

The escutcheon 100 is preferably formed of a disk portion 102 having aface. A cylindrical stem portion 106 preferably extends outwardly fromthe face. The cylindrical stem portion 106 includes a central openingadapted for receiving engagement of the shaft 42.

A disk shaped affixation face 112 having a plurality of graspers and/orfingers 114 is preferably press fit to the disk portion 102.Alternatively, the disk shaped affixation face 112 may be snap fitwithin the disk portion 102 at the preference of an individual.

The disk shaped affixation face 112 preferably has a centrallypositioned opening which is aligned with the opening through thecylindrical stem portion 106 for passing engagement of the shaft 42therethrough.

The escutcheon 100 is preferably affixed to the shaft 42 between theinterior of a door and the latch member 66. The graspers and/or fingers114 of the disk shaped affixation face 112 are preferably lockinglyengaged to the threads of the threaded section 50 of the shaft 42 toprevent separation therebetween. The cylindrical stem portion 106 of theescutcheon 100 is preferably adapted for positioning within the openingwhich traverses a thermally insulated door for positioning of the faceadjacent to the interior door surface. The use of the escutcheon 100preferably creates a thermal block and/or barrier between the interiorof the door and shaft 42 which promotes the insulating properties of thehandle and lock 10 to thermally insulate a refrigerated compartment. Theuse of the escutcheon 100 upon the shaft 42 preferably prevents heattransfer along the shaft 42 reducing condensation or frost upon thehandle 12. Further, the use of the escutcheon 100 as affixed to theshaft 42 preferably minimizes and/or prevents the leaking of air throughthe opening traversing an insulated thermal door and in conjunction withthe base 14 prevents the exit of cooled air from the interior of arefrigerated structure.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the latch member 66 may be secured to thethreaded section 50 of the shaft 42 via the use of one or more nuts 116.The latch member 66 may be formed of a bracket 118 which may be L-shapedor any other shape as preferred by an individual. The latch member 66may include a roller cam 120 which may be rotatably secured to a bracket118 via the use of a fastener. The latch member 66, bracket 118 androller cam 120 are preferably securely engaged to the shaft 42 whererotation of the handle 12 causes the elevation of the latch member 66upwardly for unlatching of a keeper and/or latch receiver which may beaffixed to or is integral with the interior door frame of a thermallyinsulated door. The rotation of the handle 12 and the disengagementbetween the latch member 66 and the keeper and/or latch receiver permitsopening of a thermally insulated door to provide access into arefrigerated cabinet.

As may be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a lock 122 is depicted as positionedwithin the lock bore 86. The lock 122 is preferably formed of a lockingcylinder 88 which may be operated by a key 124. Rotation of the key 124preferably elevates locking pins (not shown) permitting rotation of alocking shaft 126. The locking shaft 126 preferably includes a worm gear128 which rotates as the key 124 is manipulated. The lock 122, andlocking cylinder 88 are preferably disposed within the lock bore 86.

The arcuate locking barrier 92 is preferably disposed within the lockcavity 90 adjacent to the locking shaft 126 and worm gear 128. Thearcuate locking barrier 92 preferably includes a plurality of teeth 130which are coupled to the worm gear 128. The rotation of the key 124thereby provides for the linear positioning of the arcuate lockingbarrier 92 into and out of the lock cavity 90 and into or out of thecircular working channel 34 when the head portion 70 is affixed to thebase 14.

The arcuate locking barrier 92 is preferably positioned within theworking channel 34 opposite to the protruding positioning member 80between the stop 44 and the rotational limiter 58. The arcuate lockingbarrier 92 as positioned within the working channel 34 prevents rotationof the protruding positioning member 80 and rotational limiter 58 withinthe working channel 34 thereby fixedly positioning the handle 12relative to the base 14. The manipulation of the key 124 and lockingcylinder 88 preferably retract the arcuate locking barrier as depictedby arrow 132 of FIG. 8 into the lock cavity 90 permitting rotation ofthe protruding positioning member 80 and rotational limiter 58 withinthe working channel 34 to permit elevation of the handle 12 to unlatchthe latch member 66 from the keeper/receiver for opening of a thermallyinsulated door.

Rotation of the key 124 causes the worm gear 128 to rotate and toretract the linear sliding arcuate locking barrier 92 from the workingchannel 34 into the lock cavity 90 which in turn permits rotation of thehandle 12, nut shaped platform 54, arcuate protruding positioning member80, rotational limiter 58, and shaft 42 for unlatching of a thermallyinsulated door.

The locking barrier 92 may be securely positioned within the lock cavity90 by any preferred means including but not limited to the use offasteners and/or snaps. The lock cavity 90 is preferably positionedabove the lock bore 86 proximate to the front face 76 of the headportion 70. The locking barrier 92 may include a first rotationalrestrictor to prevent outward separation of the teeth 130 from the wormgear 128 and the separation of the locking barrier 92 from the lockcavity 90. In addition, the locking barrier 92 may include a secondrotational restrictor to limit the retraction of the locking barrier 92within the lock cavity 90 where the forward surface of the lockingbarrier 92 is flushly aligned with the front face 76 as depicted in FIG.8. As depicted in FIG. 9, the locking barrier 92 preferably extendsforwardly approximately the same distance as the protruding positioningmember 80 for insertion into the working channel 34.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, a roller cam 96 may be engaged to headportion 70 or to the latch member 66 at the preference of an individual.In general, the roller cam 96 is mounted upon either the head portion 70or latch 66 via the use of a fastener 98. The roller cam 96 may alsoinclude a sleeve member 134 which may freely rotate relative to thefastener 98 at the preference of an individual. The roller cam 96 assecured to the head portion 70 preferably facilitates the manipulationof the handle 12 between the first latch position 140 and the secondunlatched position 142 during the opening of a thermally insulated door.The roller cam 96 as affixed to the latch 66 preferably facilitates theengagement and disengagement of the latch 66 to the latch receiver 68during the latching and/or release of the thermally insulated door fromthe interior door frame of a refrigerated compartment.

It should be noted that the roller cam 96 may be attached to either thehead portion 70 and/or the latch member 66 by any means as preferred byan individual. It should further be noted that the fastener 98 used tosecure the roller cam 96 to the head portion 70 preferably does notextend through the centrally positioned aperture 36 for interferencewith the fastener 64 used to attach the handle 12 to the base 14.Alternatively, the fastener 98 may include an opening which will permitthe passing of the fastener 64 through the handle 12, centrallypositioned aperture 36, and base 14 when the roller cam fastener 98 issecured to the head portion 70.

In an alternative embodiment, the exterior surface of a thermallyinsulated door may include a padlock bracket having an aperture which isadapted for positioning adjacent to a padlock tab which may be affixed,or may be integral to, the head portion 70 of the handle 12. Thealignment between the aperture of the padlock tab and the padlockbracket may permit the use of a secondary padlock for affixation of thehandle 12 in the first lock position to securely seal the thermallyinsulated door for a refrigerated compartment.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a plug cap 136 may be used for placement over theexterior end of the fastener 64 and insertion within the distal end ofthe centrally positioned aperture 74, 36 to provide a flush rearwardsurface for the head portion 70. The use of the plug cap 136 may alsoreduce the risk of tampering and/or the undesirable separation of thehead portion 70 from the base 14. The plug cap 36 may include one ormore penetrating affixation tabs which may be utilized to permanentlyattach the plug cap 136 within the centrally positioned aperture 74, 36following assembly of the handle and lock 10.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, the interaction between the handle 12 and thebase 14 is shown. Referring to FIG. 9, the left handed operation of thehandle and lock 10 is shown. The base 14 is depicted where the index pin28 is positioned at a compass location of approximately 270° where thehandle 12 is positioned downwardly. The first position 140 of the handle12 is shown. In this configuration, the stop 44 is depicted proximate tothe index pin 28 where the first end 46 is positioned downwardlyrelative to the second end 48. Opposite to the stop 44 is preferablylocated the rotational limiter 58. The fourth end 62 of the rotationallimiter 58 is preferably positioned downwardly with respect to the thirdend 60. Between the second end 48 and the third end 60 is preferablylocated the protruding positioning member 80 where the fifth end 82 isadjacent to the second end 48 and the sixth end 84 is adjacent to thethird end 60. The locking barrier 92 has been retracted from a positionbetween the first end 46 and the fourth end 62 within the workingchannel 34.

Directional arrow 144 of FIG. 9 represents the rotational elevation ofthe handle 12 upwardly towards the left from a vertical orientation ofthe first position 140 to a perpendicular horizontal second position 142for release of the latch 66 from the latch receiver 68 for the openingof a thermally insulated door from the door frame for a refrigeratedcompartment. It should be noted that the rotation of the handle 12 asindicated by directional arrow 144 may only occur upon the retraction ofthe locking barrier 92 from the working channel 34 as earlier described.In the second position 142 as indicated in FIG. 10, the protrudingpositioning member 80 as integral to the handle 12 and the rotationallimiter 58 as integral to the nut cap end 54 of the shaft 42 have beenrotated within the working channel 34 towards the stop 44. In the secondposition 142 the fourth end 62 of the rotation limiter 58 is adjacent tothe first end 46 of the stop 44. The sixth end 84 of the positioningmember 80 is adjacent to the third end 60 of the rotational limiter anda space has been provided between the second end 48 of the stop 44 andthe fifth end 82 of the positioning member 80.

As may be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the right handed operation of thehandle and lock 10 is depicted. In FIG. 11, the index pin 28 ispreferably positioned at a compass location of approximately 90° wherethe handle 12 is downward for right handed operation. FIG. 11 representsthe handle 12 positioned in the first position 140 relative to the base14. In this configuration the stop 44 is proximate to the index pin 28here the first end 46 is positioned above the second end 48. Opposite tothe stop 44 is preferably located the rotation limiter 58 where thefourth end 62 of the rotation limiter 58 is above the third end 60. Theprotruding positioning member 80 is disposed between the first end 46and the fourth end 62. It should be noted that the fifth end 82 of thepositioning member 80 is proximate to the fourth end 62 of the rotationlimiter and the sixth end 84 of the positioning member 82 is proximateto the first end 46 of the stop 44. Upon the retraction of the lockingbarrier 92 within the lock cavity 90, rotation of the handle 12 relativeto the base 14 may occur as indicated by directional arrow 146.

The rotation of the handle 12 upwardly from vertical to the right fromthe first position 140 to the perpendicular horizontal second position142 preferably in turn releases the latch 66 from the latch receiver 68permitting the thermally insulated door to be opened relative to a doorframe of a refrigerated compartment. Upon acquisition of the secondposition 142 the relative locations of the stop 44, rotation limiter 58and protruding positioning member 80 are depicted in FIG. 12. In thisconfiguration the third end 60 of the rotation limiter 58 is adjacent tothe second end 48 of the stop 44. In addition, the fifth end 82 of thepositioning member 80 is adjacent to the fourth end 62 of the rotationlimiter 58. Further, an opening has been established within the workingchannel 34 between the sixth end 84 of the positioning member 80 and thefirst end 46 of the stop 44.

It should therefore be noted that the handle and lock 10 as illustratedand described herein may be easily adaptable for either right handed orleft handed use dependent upon the positioning of the index pin 28relative to the exterior surface of a thermally insulated door for aventilation and/or refrigeration compartment. An individual may easilyposition the index pin at either the 90° or 270° direction relative tothe exterior of a thermally insulated door to enable right handed orleft handed operation of the handle 12 at the discretion of anindividual.

The above Examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative andnot exhaustive. These examples and description will suggest manyvariations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. Allthese alternatives and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the attached claims. Those familiar with the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein whichequivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A latch assembly adapted for attachment to a doorin a door frame, the latch assembly comprising: a) a base having arecessed working channel, an aperture, and a stop positioned in theworking channel; b) a shaft extending through the aperture, said shafthaving a nut cap end and a rotational limiter, said rotational limiterbeing positioned in said working channel; and c) a handle fixed to theshaft whereby the handle and shaft are at least partially rotatable withrespect to the base between a first position and a second position, thehandle having a head portion connecting to the shaft, a grasping portionextending from the head portion, the head portion configured forengagement with the base portion the head portion including a nutreceiving area and a protruding positioning member, the nut receivingarea adapted for positioning over the nut cap end, the protrudingpositioning member adapted for positioning in said working channel. 2.The latch assembly of claim 1, said stop comprising a first end and asecond end wherein the stop is fixedly positioned within said workingchannel.
 3. The latch assembly of claim 2, said base further comprisinga support stem positioned in said aperture, said support stem adaptedfor engagement to said shaft.
 4. The latch assembly of claim 3, whereinsaid stop is arcuate in shape.
 5. The latch assembly of claim 4, saidbase further comprising an index pin extending from said base.
 6. Thelatch assembly of claim 5, said base comprising a mounting face having agasket adapted for sealing engagement to a door.
 7. The latch assemblyof claim 6, wherein said shaft is rotatably engaged to said supportstem.
 8. The latch assembly of claim 7, wherein said rotational limiteris integral to said nut cap end.
 9. The latch assembly of claim 8, saidrotational limiter comprising a third end and a fourth end, said fourthend being adapted to engage said first end of said stop during rotationof said handle from said first position to said second position.
 10. Thelatch assembly of claim 1, wherein said stop and said rotational limiterare disposed at substantially opposite locations within said workingchannel.
 11. The latch assembly of claim 10, wherein said protrudingpositioning member is arcuate in shape.
 12. The latch assembly accordingto claim 11, said protruding positioning member comprising a fifth endand a sixth end.
 13. The latch assembly according to claim 12, whereinsaid protruding positioning member is disposed in said working channelbetween said stop and said rotational limiter, said fifth end adapted toengage said second end and said sixth end adapted to engage said thirdend when said handle is at said first position.
 14. The latch assemblyaccording to claim 13, wherein said fifth end engages said second endand said fourth end engages said first end when said handle is at saidsecond position.
 15. The latch assembly according to claim 14, saidhandle further comprising a lock bore through said head portionproximate to said aperture.
 16. The latch assembly according to claim15, said handle further comprising a base engagement face and a cavityextending through said base engagement face.
 17. The latch assemblyaccording to claim 16, wherein said protruding positioning member isadapted for positioning in said working channel between said second endand said third end.
 18. The latch assembly according to claim 17,further comprising a fastener passing through said aperture forengagement to said shaft for attachment of said handle to said shaft androtational engagement of said handle and said shaft to said base. 19.The latch assembly according to claim 18, further comprising anescutcheon engaged to said shaft.
 20. The latch assembly according toclaim 19, said escutcheon comprising; a plurality of graspers adapted toengage said shaft.
 21. The latch assembly according to claim 20, furthercomprising a lock disposed in said lock bore.
 22. The latch assemblyaccording to claim 21, said lock comprising a locking cylinder having ashaft having an actuator; and a locking barrier having an acceptor saidacceptor adapted for engagement to said actuator, said locking barrierpositioned in said lock cavity wherein said locking barrier is movableout of said lock cavity and into said working channel when said handleis in said first position.
 23. The latch assembly according to claim 22,the handle comprising a loop adapted for receiving a padlock.
 24. Thelatch assembly of claim 23, wherein the base further comprises an indexpin, the index pin projecting into the surface of a door to preventrotation of the base relative to the door.